Description
We are delighted to offer for sale this exceptional and low mileage Mercedes-Benz SL500.
Produced between 1989 and 2001 the ‘R129’ combined understated luxury, advanced technology and classic German engineering. Reflecting perfect balance and poise, as the fourth generation of their SL or ‘Super-Leicht’ model range, Mercedes-Benz created a car that would define the modern sports roadster. Today, it stands as a symbol of an era when Mercedes-Benz built cars with over-engineered precision and timeless beauty.
The design, penned by Bruno Sacco, was a masterclass in restraint — clean lines, a wide stance and a subtle elegance that has aged beautifully. The R129 was also notable for its innovative features which included an electro-hydraulic folding soft top, a removable aluminium hardtop and automatically deploying roll bars — a world-first at the time. Inside, it offered hand-stitched leather, rich wood trim and ergonomic controls, all reflecting Mercedes’ commitment to both craftsmanship and comfort.
First registered on 31. 12. 1995, this particular example was purchased by the current keeper whilst living in Japan for many years, where it had formally been owned by an eminent Doctor who kept the SL for periodic use at his summer residence only.
The SL was the subject of a comprehensive story in Mercedes Enthusiast magazine, also appearing on the front cover and used as the model reference in further editions and additionally in Classic Mercedes magazine.
Finished in immaculate Green-Black metallic paintwork with black leather interior, the current owner has continued to maintain the SL500 with the utmost care and without compromise or expense having been spared.
The accompanying history file is almost as impressive as the car itself and documents all records from the point of order and includes original brochures, order forms and copies of the original bill of sale. The current owner has gone to great lengths to continue to maintain these records and since registering the SL in the UK 10 years ago, each annual service has been completed by the factory trained technicians at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands who have collected and returned the SL by covered transporter each year. Throughout the current ownership of many years, the SL has never been driven on a wet or damp road, either in Japan or the UK.
In addition to the fastidious annual maintenance, the later design Mercedes-Benz 5-spoke alloy wheels enhance the appearance of the car and an additional set of new and unused ‘boxed’ Mercedes-Benz split-rim ‘Silver Arrow’ alloy wheels are available by separate negotiation.
With a total of just 7, 200 miles (11, 450 KM’s) from new, the low mileage and incredible condition are both testament to the current custodian who has used the SL sparingly since returning the car to the UK in 2016. The annual mileage can be verified by the detailed invoices for all service and maintenance work completed both in Japan and the UK over the past 30 years.
Complete with all original keys, owners’ handbooks and service records which include photographic records for work completed, the condition of this truly remarkable and original example demands inspection to be fully appreciated.
This SL500 is an impeccable example of what is increasingly considered to be a high-point of Mercedes-Benz quality of design and craftsmanship – please enquire for further details.
